‘I can’t afford any Jordans…’: Carmelo Anthony’s rags-to-riches story ends with Michael Jordan honors

Going from owning your first pair of Jordans to becoming the first Jordan signature athlete is truly inspiring. Former NBA star Carmelo Anthony, who accomplished this feat, still considers it one of his cherished memories. For any player, not just Melo, their first signature shoe carries a lot of emotion and memories. The same thing applies to Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade. When asked, “What’s your favorite pair of shoes and why?” During the Q&A portion of the post, Wade expressed how much the signature shoe means to him.

Melo also joined the conversation, expressing his love for the Michael Jordan brand. He wrote, “I always rock out in Jordan IXs. Played with them in high school and when I was younger I couldn’t afford Jordans…and then I became the first Jordan signature athlete. Much love @jumpman23”.

What he accomplished from a regular guy who couldn’t afford expensive Jordans to now will always be iconic.

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Carmelo Anthony’s first pair of Air Jordans and signing with Jordan Brand

Surprisingly, Chicago Bulls legend Jordan himself chose Anthony as his brand ambassador. Back in 2004, the New York Knicks star signed one of the most landmark deals of his career. The lucrative deal earned him about $3.5 million over six years. Anthony’s connection to Jordan Brand runs deeper than most people realize.

In an interview with Architectural Digest, Melo shared how he couldn’t afford his first pair of Air Jordans before high school. The legend spoke of his humble beginnings, “I didn’t get my first pair of Jordans until my senior year at Oak Hill High School. That was just because they were a Jordan-sponsored varsity team.“I added, “From there, becoming Jordan Brand’s first signature athlete; not being able to own a pair, it just comes full circle.”

Back in 2004, Anthony launched his signature sneaker, the Jordan Melo 1.5. The brand has since expanded its roster, signing numerous players who continue to build on the legacy. The brand also has another roster of players, “Team Jordan” They have their own unique line of shoes. But Melo officially became the first player to have his own signature shoe. The NBA legend’s story with the brand and his first signature is truly special. What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments section below.